After hitting rock-bottom with an 0-11 record in 2009, the Hoyas bounced back with an inspired start to 2010, despite faltering in the final weeks. But captain Wayne Heimuli is not taking any breaks to pat himself on the back for last season’s improvements, knowing the Hoyas have the potential to take yet another step forward this term.
“We can’t look at the past,” the senior safety said. “We have to look forward … always be ready, always prepared.”
In 2010, the Hoyas took that clean slate and ran with it. While they only finished 4-7, the team rose to the top of the Patriot League early in the season and looked bound for glory, surprising media pundits who expected them to finish near the bottom of the league. Yet, despite winning their first two conference matchups, the Hoyas descended into mediocrity as the season progressed.
Defense has been the Hoyas’ strength in Head Coach Kevin Kelly’s five years at the helm, and this year should be no different. Despite losing the school’s all-time leading tackler in linebacker Nick Parrish, the Georgetown faithful should expect more of the same this season thanks to a plethora of experienced starters. Inside linebackers Jeremy Grasso and Rob McCabe, both juniors, have full years as starters under their belt. Fellow junior Jeremy Moore, who excited fans last season with his electric kickoff returns, will bolster the secondary with his quickness and coverage skills.
Yet, it will be the efforts of Heimuli and his fellow seniors, namely cornerback Jayah Kaisamba and defensive end Andrew Schaetzke that shape the core of the defense. Kelly has called Schaetzke the best defensive player in the Patriot League, while Heimuli and Kaisamba offer leadership and ball-hawking instincts in the secondary. Kelly is especially excited about his team’s defense after training camp.
“After last season, it really built our confidence,” he said. “Our guys have come in ready to go this training camp.”
Much of the change last season came on the offensive side of the ball, where offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude’s hiring vastly improved an often stagnant Hoya attack. Quarterback remains a position of contention and the Hoyas are likely to see time split between senior Scott Darby and junior Isaiah Kempf. However, sophomore Aaron Aiken could see significant playing time this season after impressing during camp.
No matter who takes the majority of the snaps, the team’s quarterback will be able to lean on a reloaded set of skill players, led by offensive slot receiver Jeremiah Kayal. The senior captain takes his role seriously and believes he and Heimuli will keep communication lines open between the players and coaches.
“You have to learn to be the middleman between players and coaches, while at the same time holding people accountable,” Kayal said. “It’s definitely an honor to be voted by this team as a captain.”
Kayal will be joined at the wide receiver position by juniors Brandon Floyd and Kenneth Furlough. Floyd emerged two years ago as the Hoyas’ most dangerous deep threat and returns after a season away from the team. Furlough, meanwhile, demonstrated himself to be a force in training camp after two seasons with the team.
Second-year tailback Daren Claytor will be joined in the backfield this season by fellow sophomore Nick Campanella, who Kelly is particularly excited to see unleashed on opposing defenses.
“Nick Campanella is going to be a great back. I think he’s going to have a breakout season,” he said.
The Hoyas got off to a perfect start last season with a win over Davidson. They will try to begin the 2011 campaign in the same manner with their home opener against the Wildcats on September 3 at Multi-Sport Field. Though Georgetown will be eager to avenge last season’s devastating final play loss against Yale next week, the Hoyas are firmly focused on a win in Saturday’s meeting.
“It’s the season opener,” Kelly said. “We expect to win.”
After last season, the Hoyas have proven they can start. The question remains as to whether they can sustain their momentum and finish strong in 2011.
